By now it feels as if the recession is old news. In fact it's only a few weeks since most of us woke up to the fact that recession was looming. When the $700 billion US bail-out saga made headlines around the world, it seemed pretty remote. Now financial problems are much closer to home. Despite Gordon Brown's attempts to shore up the UK economy, this is no longer just a concern for 'the City'. Job losses, reduced pensions and negative equity now confront ordinary people on a daily basis.

Who is to blame for all this? Is it the fault of greedy bankers and speculators? Should regulators have been more watchful? Have politicians been spending too much? Or is it just one of those things that happen from time to time in the global economy?

The jury is still out. Voters may well give their verdict at the next general election, but meanwhile one thing is certain - we need to be prepared for hard times ahead.

Practical action is important, but Real Life cannot offer you any particular financial expertise. What we can do, however, is draw your attention to the spiritual lessons of the present crisis.

These age old words of Jesus Christ seem very relevant in 2008:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven ..."

Money worries are nothing new. Many of us will find that the earthly wealth we have depended on is no longer secure. But Jesus points us to a security beyond anything on offer from the banks.

That security depends on him. Jesus was very blunt about the fact that he is the only person who can guarantee our eternal safety. And it cost him everything. When we trust Jesus our priorities change. And when our main concern is to please God, we get our everyday needs in perspective. God knows what we need, and he will provide it. As Jesus said:
"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Is this a promise for you to take to heart?